Spend more time indoors. Keep doors and windows shut to keep the smoke out. Open windows and doors whenever the smoke clears.

Spend time in air conditioned venues like cinemas, libraries and shopping centres.

Avoid indoor sources of air pollution like cigarettes, candles and incense sticks.

Other ways to reduce exposure

Some people use air purifiers and face masks to reduce their exposure to smoke. These devices have special requirements to be effective.

Air purifiers

Air purifiers with a high efficiency particle air (HEPA) filter are able to reduce the number of fine particles indoors. For an indoor air purifier to work well, the purifier must be matched to the size of the room it is in and the room must be well sealed.

Face masks

P2/N95 rated face masks can filter out the fine particles in smoke. To be effective, they must be fitted in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and form a tight seal around the face. It can be difficult to maintain a tight seal, particularly for people with facial hair, so masks may provide a false sense of security.

Surgical and cloth masks don’t protect against smoke.

Wearing a P2/N95 face mask can make it harder to breathe and people with heart or lung problems should consult their doctor before using one. Anyone who has difficulty breathing, feeling dizzy, faint or has other symptoms while wearing a face mask should remove it and go to place with cleaner air quality.

Wearing a P2/N95 face mask, especially if a person is physically active or in a hot environment, may increase the risk of heat-related illness. Users should take periodic breaks from physical activity or, if possible, rest in a location with cleaner air quality.